WWE layoffs have occurred as a result of disappointing subscription numbers to the WWE Network, the company’s risky a la carte offering that left many cable networks fuming.
We’re not worried about the Network. It’s going to be just fine. It needs 1.5 million subscribers to rake in around $120 million in profits. After just five months, it’s close to halfway there, and that’s considering the company is trying to rewire 30 years of consumer behaviors that lean towards pay-per-view instead of paying for an individual channel.
But in the meantime, WWE needs to get a bit leaner. We’ve taken it upon ourselves to help out with a few superstar suggestions for current and future WWE layoffs. Our picks:
5. Big E
Big E isn’t a bad worker, and he has the look that Vince McMahon likes so much, but fans just don’t care. That was pretty clear with the Rusev feud, which he lost right on the heels of giving up the Intercontinental Championship to Bad News Barrett. Big E is in a free fall, and we don’t see him finding his feet with the company.
4. Fandango
This guy has crashed hard. Once a superstar with serious potential, he’s now devolved into comic relief in a relatively short amount of time. Again, decent worker here, but not much charisma.
3. Mark Henry
Got to admit, as a casual viewer, I was a bit shocked to see Henry still on the roster. This is the guy who fathered a hand with Mae Young over a decade ago. We don’t see what he could possibly add at this point.
2. R-Truth
Allowing R-Truth to upset Bo Dallas’ winning streak was a really stupid move on the part of WWE creative. Say what you want about Dallas, but the guy’s gimmick is working. Audiences find him hilarious, even as the goody-goody motivational stuff grates on their nerves. He’s the perfect mix of real heat and real laughs, and he’s got a bright future. Allowing R-Truth to win after having been beaten by Dallas in earlier altercations, was a wrong-headed move especially since Truth has run his course.
1. The Miz
The Miz is confident on the mic, but there’s a difference between being confident and being good. While I appreciate his ability to speak, I’m either nodding off or going to the bathroom every time he gets ready to say something. Allowing him to rush in and win the Intercontinental belt over a guy like Dolph Ziggler was downright stupid. WWE layoffs should have claimed The Miz a long time ago. It would be different if he was physically intimidating or more talented than anyone else in the locker room, but nope on both counts.
If you were in charge of WWE layoffs, who would you give the boot? Share your thoughts in our comments section.